Freijó
Scientific name: Cordia goeldiana
Overview
Freijó is a highly regarded South American hardwood known for its attractive grain patterns, warm golden-brown color, and excellent workability. It is widely used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior applications where appearance and ease of machining are important.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Freijó
- Scientific Name: Cordia goeldiana
- Region: South America Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~34–40 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~960 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to light brown, sometimes with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Freijó is recognized for its warm golden-brown color and often exhibits subtle ribbon or stripe figure when quartersawn. The grain ranges from straight to interlocked, and the wood has a medium texture with a natural luster that enhances its visual appeal.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to light brown coloration
- Occasional ribbon or stripe figure
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Medium texture with natural luster
Working Properties
Freijó is considered easy to work and is a favorite among woodworkers for its machining and finishing qualities. It responds well to both hand and machine tools and produces a smooth finished surface.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Minimal tool wear
- Excellent gluing and finishing properties
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
No significant health risks are commonly reported, though standard dust protection should always be used.
Common Uses
Freijó is commonly used in interior applications where appearance and workability are important.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Veneer
- Musical instruments
Sustainability & Notes
Freijó is not currently listed under CITES. It is considered moderately available, though responsible sourcing is important due to regional harvesting pressures.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Louro Preto
Louro Preto is generally darker and more uniform, while Freijó often shows more figure and visual variation.
Cedro
Cedro is lighter and softer, whereas Freijó offers more strength with a similar workability profile.
Imbuia
Imbuia is more aromatic and often more figured, while Freijó provides a cleaner, more consistent appearance.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness (Janka Scale) Explained
Freijó falls into the lighter hardwood category, making it easier to work while still suitable for many interior uses.
How to Identify Wood by Grain Pattern
Its ribbon figure and subtle striping can help distinguish it from more uniform hardwoods.
Working with Hardwood: Machining and Finishing Tips
Freijó is a strong example of a wood that machines easily and finishes exceptionally well.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Freijó is an excellent addition to a collection due to its balance of workability and visual appeal. It represents a lighter-density tropical hardwood with distinctive grain characteristics.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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